Meghalaya high court issues notices over denial of NOC for Mawjymbuin Cave pilgrimage

SHILLONG: The Meghalaya High Court has issued notices to relevant authorities regarding the denial of a no-objection certificate (NOC) for the annual pilgrimage to Mawjymbuin Cave at Mawsynram in East Khasi Hills district.

The Meghalaya High Court has also directed the Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills to assign a responsible officer to ensure the respondents appear in court on Thursday.

The order came in response to a petition filed by the Yatra, a registered society.

Justice HS Thangkhiew stated, “Issue notice to the respondents No. 6, 7, & 8.” He emphasized the urgency of the matter, stating, “As the matter is sensitive and deserves urgent consideration, the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District is directed to depute a responsible officer to inform the said respondents No. 6, 7, & 8 to be present in Court tomorrow, along with the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police, East Khasi Hills, in person at 2:00 pm.”

The petition centers on the non-granting of a NOC by respondents No. 6, 7, & 8 for the pilgrimage to Mawjymbuin Cave, a site revered by Hindus.

Counsel for the petitioner, S Jindal, argued that the annual pilgrimage has been a longstanding event, becoming more structured since the society’s formation in 2011.

Jindal presented permissions granted by the district administration from 2011 to 2023 and noted that the necessary NOCs and permissions had always been issued by the Dorbar Shnong.

Jindal further explained that this year, despite obtaining initial permission from the district administration on June 27, 2024, with the condition to secure a NOC from the Dorbar Shnong, Mawsynram, there was no response from the Dorbar.

The rejection of the NOC was only discovered through media reports.

He clarified that there was no intention to establish a place of worship or cause any disturbances, as the pilgrimage involves only the sprinkling of water on the lingam.

Jindal urged the Meghalaya High Court to issue notices to the district administration and the private respondents and to pass appropriate orders.